An historical novel set in modern times: Paul Bowdring’s novel “The Strangers’ Gallery” braids the lives of an archivist, a Newfoundland patriot and a Dutchman who comes to St. John’s, searching for the father he never knew.

Paul Bowdring was announced as the winner of the 2013 BMO Winterset Award for the his book “The Strangers Gallery” at a ceremony at Government House in St. John’s Thursday. The award celebrates excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador writing. —Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram

The novel earned Bowdring $10,000 Thursday afternoon, when he was named the winner of the 2013 BMO Winterset Award.

Bowdring, a native of Bell Island, is a founding member of the Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador. He has written two other novels prior to “The Strangers’ Gallery”: “The Roncesvalles Pass” and “The Night Season.” He has recently completed the first draft of his fourth novel.

The BMO Winterset Award, in its 14th year, was founded by journalist and author Richard Gwynn in memory of his wife, author and historian Sandra Fraser Gwynn.

“People who get forgotten here are the readers, and they’re the most important part,” Gwynn said.

“No readers, no writing. For me, one of the joys of this is Newfoundland is probably the province where more people care about the writing of their province, learn about themselves through the writing, and are involved in the whole process.”

Paul Bowdring was announced as the winner of the 2013 BMO Winterset Award for the his book “The Strangers Gallery” at a ceremony at Government House in St. John’s Thursday. The award celebrates excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador writing. —Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram